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Best medication for debilitating stagefright?

I am a 27 yr. old male whose interests have lead me into the world of college teaching and conferences (reading my papers in front of large audiences). Ever since I can remember, I have had HORRIBLE stage fright, acute anxiety, near-panic. Recently I've been diagnosed with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, kidney stones, complex partial seizures, etc., so my anxiety has been compounded. I have access to both Toprol XL and Xanax, and I'm curious which one will help mediate some of my stage fright symptoms (I told intend to take them all the time; only when I know I'll be afraid). I'm sure both will help, but can someone recommend one over the other and offer reasons for doing so?  

Much appreciated.
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Avatar universal
i'm a teacher and have stage fright eversince i was in elementary grades. Now, my hands and head were shaky everytime i have to do some speaking in front of an audiences. can you please help me get over with this. a big thanks! u can send me what you think is the best medication for this at this email ad....iam_fil09***@****
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Avatar universal
Ryan,
Can you PLS help me?

I have stage fright and have to sing often. Can I take Metoprolol 25mg before performance?  

I am on:
Zocor 10mg
Topiramate (Topimax) 50mg 2 q d.
Wellbrutrin 300mg 1 q d.

I would appreciate any help.

Thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ryan

Just out of curiosity.....what medical field are you in?  Are you an GP, Cardioligist, Psychiatrist, Nurse????  You are very knowledgeable and I learn a lot from you.  Just want to say thanks!!!
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Avatar universal
Thank you much for your input, Ryan. Perhaps you can help me further. The LVH is actually an ongoing enigma: My GP placed a stethoscope to my carotid artery (left side) and said he heard a "distinct anomaly, a murmur," and referred me to a cardiologist. GP said, "Don't exercise for a while." After carotid doppler and echocardiogram, no stenosis, great EF (89%), normal systolic diameter, but "prominent" LVH. When I exercise (very lightly), I get lightheaded, the world dims, and I feel like I may faint. The cardiologist prescribed Toprol XL only after I called and said symptoms continued. As with some specialists, this cardiologist is laconic, seems unconcerned, and told me it's my choice as to whether I take the Toprol XL or not. My BP vacillates wildly. Sometimes the blood pumps so hard I can "see" it in my eyes. Can Toprol XL be used PRN or must it be used as daily treatment?

The Xanax was prescribed merely because these highly disparate problems have made life a bit more difficult. I am worried about the addictive qualities of benzodiazepines (and their subsequent withdrawal effects), especially since I have taken the Xanax every day for about a week (I have needed it, as far as I could tell). Tomorrow, I have to read in front of 500 people, and while the material is complex, I know it thoroughly. I'll talk to my doctor about Inderal.
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